Albert Matitu, the late veteran boxing administrator who died last week, will be laid to rest in Ahero, Kisumu County, on Saturday.
Matitu, who died aged 74 , has been described as a pioneer who made his mark on boxing, particularly within the Kenya Defence Forces Amateur Boxing Association (DEFABA).
Matitu was the technical head of the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) until his death and helped to train and develop some of Kenya’s finest boxers. One of the most prolific boxers to have trained under Matitu was Chris “Bingwa” Sande, who won a bronze medal in the middleweight category at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
The Seoul Olympics remain Kenya's and Africa's most memorable boxing outing at the Summer Games, where Robert Wangila Napunyi won the country's and the continent's first Olympic boxing title.
Former DEFABA coach Rogers Munala recalls that, when he joined the military team in 1984, Matitu and the late Charles Longisa were in charge. Matitu joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in his youth. He was at the Kariobangi Boxing Club before joining the coaching team of the disciplined forces.
“I was in the same welterweight category as Sande before he moved to light middleweight,” recalls Munala, who is now a private boxing trainer.
Prior to the 1998 Seoul Olympics, Kenya was represented by ten boxers at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Among the DEFABA boxers on the team were Sammy 'Kigos' Mwangi in the bantamweight category, Augustus 'Roje' Oga in the middleweight category, and the late James 'Demosh' Omondi in the heavyweight category.
"Oga was one of the most stylish and ruthless southpaw boxers," said Munala, adding that there was fierce competition in the heavyweight category between Demosh, Charles Amugune and Michael Boet.
Munala also recalled the fierce rivalry between Kigos and the national bantamweight champion, Peter Kimani, within the military.
“That category was one of the most competitive and explosive when David “Harish” Ouma joined the fray as an outsider. Demosh, who was somewhat controversial always carried the day," said Munala, pointing out that the other DEFABA boxers to make the famous “Hit Squad” of 12 boxers for the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, besides Sande, were Anthony “Scorpion” Ikegu, who competed in the flyweight category.
David 'Wonderboy' Wacheru is one of the light flyweight boxers who trained with Matitu. Wacheru made his international debut at the 1979 Africa Championship, surprising many by winning a silver medal.
Matitu was named head coach of the Hit Squad for the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the 2004 Athens Olympics before being appointed manager for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India; the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland; and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom.
At the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Kenya secured two silver medals through Moses Kinyua (light flyweight) and Absalom Okoth (welterweight), as well as one bronze through Samuel Odindo (light heavyweight).
Kinyua, who now lives in the UK, remembers that Matitu was in his corner when he won his silver medal at the “Club” Games in Kuala Lumpur. “I really enjoyed Malaysia, even though I didn't win gold,” said Kinyua.
Benson Gicharu claimed silver in the flyweight category, while Nick Okoth took bronze in the bantamweight category at the 2010 Delhi Games.
The BFK paid tribute to Matitu, who served in boxing at various levels, especially with the national team, the Hit Squad.
"Matitu dedicated his life to the growth and development of boxing in Kenya, serving with distinction, integrity and passion for many years," read a statement from the BFK. It added that his invaluable contribution to the sport, and his mentorship of countless boxers, coaches and officials, will leave a lasting legacy within the boxing community.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire boxing community during this difficult time," the statement said, explaining that details regarding the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
